A book-loving owl learns the value of cleaning up in Hidalgo’s picture book.

Mrs. Owl has a huge book collection, full of all types of books. Unfortunately, “her library was a mess. It was covered in dust, a thousand books were out of place, and even the lights stopped working.” One day, Mrs. Owl can’t find a particular book, and when she searches for it, she tumbles over a misplaced stack. Fed up with the mess, she sets to work, putting the library in order. It takes weeks, but finally the library is clean—and still, the missing book is nowhere in sight. She checks one last place, discovering that the book Tidying Tips & Tricks was in her desk all along. Hidalgo’s straightforward text invites readers directly into Mrs. Owl’s world to share her frustration with the mess and her joy at finally making things tidy. Steinberg’s whimsical painted illustrations precisely capture Mrs. Owl’s flustered responses and her exhaustion—as well as her pride in a job well done. Children may guiltily identify with Mrs. Owl’s mess and realize that, once things are clean, they’re far better able to share their space with others. For families who struggle with room-cleaning, Hidalgo’s story is sure to be an inspiration to do better, especially with Steinberg’s warm colors and the clean library’s good cheer.

An ode to tidiness that never feels preachy, only welcoming.